Art as Experience: Drawing and New Media

Overview

Art as Experience is an introductory course designed to expand your understanding of the ideas and practices of contemporary art.

As a student in this three-week program, you'll explore ways to engage in the material practice and experience of contemporary art, and you will develop a foundation for understanding the connections between research, studio activity, and exhibition. You will be based in an art studio in Cornell's Tjaden Hall and will have access to the university's cutting-edge digital equipment and computer labs. From here, you will participate in a studio culture of material exploration, collaboration, research, and critique.

You will work on independent, self-directed projects, using a broad range of mediums from drawing and collage to digital photography and video installation. You will have the opportunity to draw from a live, nude model as you explore ways to engage in the material practice and experience of contemporary art.

You'll be able to take advantage of some of Cornell's extraordinary resources, including the Cornell University Library and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and you'll deepen your understanding of contemporary art with readings, discussions, and field trips.

Art as Experience will culminate with a group exhibition, curated and installed by you and your classmates.

Course expectations

This is a class in contemporary art practice wherein technique and craft, though important, are considered in relation to concept. This relation will underlie all our assignments and discussions.

Students will work on in-class studio assignments (several of which may be collaborative in nature) in a variety of mediums and modes. No prior technical knowledge is necessary, and students will be assessed on the basis of their individual effort and progress. Some out-of-class studio work may be necessary.

Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and critiques.
Intermittent readings of modest length concerning contemporary practice will be assigned as homework.

Students will be assigned several short written papers in response to topics or readings.

Students will document their completed work photographically for a final portfolio.

Students will participate in preparing all aspects of their final class exhibition (including curating, publicity, documentation, installation, and de-installation).

Checkout dates and times

Program director

Leslie Brack

Leslie Brack holds an MFA in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has exhibited extensively, including venues such as White Columns, Plus Ultra Gallery, Schroeder Romero Gallery, Galerie Jousse Seguin, and the Johnson Museum here at Cornell. She has also curated exhibitions at several New York City galleries including Momenta Art and Winkleman Gallery. In 2009 she co-researched and launched the Womanhouse website, which is the most popular internet resource for this seminal feminist-artist collaboration from 1972.

Brack believes that the artist's role is as much a practice in facilitating community, social participation, and maintaining an ongoing practice of self-education as it is in developing independent studio work.

Brack has received residency and monetary fellowships from institutions such as the Corporation of Yaddo, the Ucross Foundation, NYFA, and the Millay Colony.

"What I enjoy about studying and teaching art in the university environment is the way art can be connected to other disciplines with which it intersects and derives its strength. The university is the place that simultaneously gives an artist the room to create but also the ability to better understand what it is she/he is creating. Each work of art produces its own unique world, and this world emerges from an experiential, historical, and philosophical context which is best considered." —Leslie Brack

Student experiences

Quotes and reviews

"My professor and TA were helpful in making me become more risk-taking in the field of art. They encouraged me to not be afraid of anything and make bold choices in creating art. I loved meeting people who share my interest in art and who love what I am passionate about." — Jeanette Sha

"At Summer College I gained friends that I expect to stay in touch with, art pieces for my portfolio, and a connection with a fabulous professor. CUSC was amazing, and I am so glad I attended. Thanks for a great summer! It was truly life-changing. " — Lisebeth Forbes